Catholic Church Intensifies Pushback as Abortion Bill Nears Final Vote
The Roman Catholic Church has escalated its opposition to Zimbabwe’s proposed Medical Services Bill, warning lawmakers that the legislation “threatens the nation’s moral compass” as it edges toward a Senate vote.
The Bill which would allow abortion on request up to 20 weeks for adults and minors without parental consent, scrap spousal notification and permit a single doctor to authorise the procedure has already ignited fierce national debate.
In a follow-up to last week’s criticism, Archbishop Robert Christopher Ndlovu, President of the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference, sharpened his stance during a Confirmation Mass in Mt Pleasant on Sunday, branding the proposed law “sinful” and “evil.”
“We are heading towards a situation that may destroy our identity as a people. Life is precious,” Ndlovu told congregants, urging a nationwide day of prayer and fasting on February 6.
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“We speak of the weak in life who should be protected, and the weakest are the unborn children.”
The Archbishop accused Parliament of prioritising the abortion issue while communities battle collapsing infrastructure.
“There are potholes everywhere, taps are dry that is what they should be debating,” he said.
“We know the organisations and embassies sponsoring it… these are diplomatic issues,” he claimed, warning that the Church may appeal directly to President Emmerson Mnangagwa should the Bill pass the Senate.
Supporters of the Bill counter that Zimbabwe’s existing 1977 abortion law is restrictive and outdated, arguing that streamlined access is necessary to protect women’s health.
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